Frozen Charlotte

Frozen Charlotte dolls are small Victorian era china bisque dolls made in Germany from 1850-1920. Most are tiny, ranging from one inch to 3 inches tall, though some are larger. Since they are pale and rigid they look like a girl who has frozen to death.
The name Frozen Charlotte originated from the ballad Fair Charlotte which was based on the poem “A Corpse Going to a Ball” by Seba Smith. It is said to be based on a true incident.

Such a dreadful night I never saw, the reins I scarce can hold.” Fair Charlotte shivering faintly said, “I am exceeding cold.” He cracked his whip, he urged his steed much faster than before, And thus five other dreary miles in silence were passed o’er. Said Charles, “How fast the shivering ice is gathering on my brow.” And Charlotte still more faintly said, “I’m growing warmer now.” So on they rode through frosty air and glittering cold starlight, Until at last the village lamps and the ballroom came in sight. They reached the door and Charles sprang out, he reached his hand for her, She sat there like a monument that has no power to stir; He called her once, he called her twice, she answered not a word, He asked her for her hand again, and still she never stirred. – Songs Of The Newfoundland Outports, Volume 3, pp.735-737, by The National Museum of Canada (1965) Crown Copyrights Reserved

The Frozen Charlotte’s used for my charms and talismans were excavated from the remains of factories in Nurnberg, Germany which had been ransacked and bombed. They are dated from 1860-1890.